Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
Mount Kilimanjaro climb with the Machame Route. Machame route is known for smooth acclimatization and amazing views. Let us plan your next hike!
- Departure Location
- Starts at Kilimanjaro International Airport [JRO]
- Return Location
- Ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport [JRO]
- Additional Information
- Accommodation on the mountain: Based on twin tent share
- Upgrades: Premium climbs
- Optional Extension: An extra night on the mountain can be added between days 4 and 5
- Tour Number: SP-678V-SP
Machame Route
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. Straddling the Kenya/Tanzania border, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro rises up to an impressive 5896 meters above sea level.
It is one of the world’s highest volcanoes, the highest mountain on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth; making it an international destination attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe. Set within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro emerges from the sprawling plains of Tanzania and boasts dense tropical rainforests, glacial ice fields, moorlands, and mystical moonscapes.
Take on the colossal challenge of climbing this majestic mountain, explore the lush forested foothills, soak up the breathtaking views or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys and more.
DAY 1-
Mount Kilimanjaro
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be met by your Safari Ventures representative and transferred to your hotel. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with your climb representatives who will share information on your upcoming climb and ensure you are ready to embark on your adventure Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM. Overnight Aishi Machame Hotel on bed and breakfast basis
DAY 2-
Mount Kilimanjaro
TREKKING FROM MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's entrance: Machame Gate (1,800 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Machame Camp (3,010 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on: • Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine • Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently) At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness. Change in Elevation: Machame Gate (1,800 m) — Machame Camp (3,010 m) Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 5–6 hours
DAY 3-
Mount Kilimanjaro
TREKKING FROM MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP After breakfast you will start trekking up to the second high-altitude camp, Shira Camp (3,845 m). On this day you will emerge from the rainforest and for the first time be able to see stunning views of the Shira Plateau laid out in front of you. Physically speaking, the trekking is not very difficult, but you may feel the changes in altitude, so pay attention to your body and remember that choosing the proper pace is extremely important for good trekking. When you reach the camp, you will have lunch and some rest, after which the group will go on an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude. Back down at Shira Camp you will be served a hot dinner. Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness. Trekking from Machame Camp to Shira Camp: Change in Elevation: Machame Camp (3,010 m) — Shira Camp (3,845 m) Hiking distance: 5 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Acclimatization hike Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,120 m) Hiking distance: 2 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours
DAY 4-
Mount Kilimanjaro
TREKKING FROM SHIRA CAMP TO THE LAVA TOWER AND DESCENT TO BARRANCO CAMP After breakfast you will leave Shira Camp (3,845 m) and start your way to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1–2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be. Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! Next day you will be climbing it, but don't worry: it features a very simple hiking trail. Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters. Change in Elevation: Shira Camp (3,845 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp (3,960 m) Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 6–8 hours
DAY 5-
Mount Kilimanjaro
TREKKING FROM BARRANCO CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall (we recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete ascend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m) where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting. Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) — Barafu Camp (4,640 m) Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 8–10 hours
DAY 6-
Mount Kilimanjaro
ASCENT TO UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO MILLENNIUM CAMP Departure from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails. Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp (3,820 m) Hiking distance: 15 km Hiking time: 8–12 hours
DAY 7-
Mount Kilimanjaro
DESCENT FROM MILLENNIUM CAMP TO MWEKA GATE The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel. Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate (1,650 m) Hiking distance: 12 km Hiking time: 4–5 hours Overnight Aishi Machame Hotel on bed and breakfast basis
Include
- 3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request
- Accommodation prior to and after the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room)
- Airport transfers
- Camping/hut fees
- Each participant will be provided with a porter (who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage)
- First aid kit and oxygen systems and pulse oximeters
- Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- International certificates for a successful ascent
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
- Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
- Modern The North Face VE-25 tents
- Transfer to the trail head
- Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
Exclude
- International flights
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent)
- Mountaineering and Flying Doctor insurance
- Personal gear rentals
- Portable toilet and shower (possible to hire at an additional cost)
- Sleeping bags
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Visa arrangements